The presidential election is 15 months away and I’m weary and edgy already. Do we really need to listen to Donald Trump referring to women as pigs and dogs or calling other candidates and a Vietnam POW dummies, losers and morons?
While some people like his straight talk and telling it like it is, in the real world, if this language was directed toward your kid on the playground, you’d call it bullying and wouldn’t tolerate it. If your boss spoke those words to you at work, it would be a considered hostile work environment… and at that point, the boss would hear the famous words: YOU’RE FIRED!
Collaboration, Inclusion, Respect
Whether it’s people running for the oval office, the board room or the school board, we need people who can lead and influence others in ways that are collaborative, not aggressive; empowering not controlling ; inclusive and respectful, not divisive and bullying. We need people who are smart and strategic and who are good stewards of our resources.
Many years ago I managed and worked on several political campaigns, including county, state-wide, Congressional and presidential campaigns and worked for candidates on both sides of the aisle. One of the first things I learned about volunteers and political backing was that there are 3 types of supporters:
- People who support the candidate because of party affiliation
- People who want to defeat the opponent or opposing party
- People who support the candidate because of his/her beliefs, character and personal integrity that mirrors their own. They trust the candidate to look out for constituent interests – not their own.
Unfortunately, the majority of people are in categories #1 or #2.
In my new book, From Type A to Type T:How to Be a Transformational Leader in a Bottom-Line World, several chapters are devoted to the concept that the traditional command and control style of management, or Type A leadership, will not work in the future. While many of us grew up in workplaces (and families) with this top-down, “do-as-I-say,” “trust me” approach, the world has changed. We are now living in what Michael Maslansky calls The Post trust Era (The Language of Trust: Selling Ideas in a World of Skeptics.)
2008: Post Trust Era
2008 was a watershed year that had a massive domino effect resulting from the collapse of our financial and automotive industries and housing and real estate markets. Our faith and hope and trust in the people who led and regulated these industries was shattered. More than 8 million people lost jobs between 2008 and 2012 and millions more remain under-employed. The average American has had to adapt to instability and uncertainty and make decision about their health, livelihoods and families that have altered how we spend our time and spend our money.
People are skeptical – and rightfully so.
Be Discerning. Be the Change.
As we brace ourselves for this long and contentious political season, I urge you to be discerning. I urge you to be the supporter of candidates who reflect your own personal integrity and character, who you know will represent the interests of their constituencies, not just select special interest groups.
For more information on Type T (Transformational) leadership, https://alteringoutcomes.com/type-t-book/ or get in touch with Marty 816-695-5453 martystanley@alteringoutcomes.com
